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de Holanda Paranhos L, Magalhães RSS, de Araújo Brasil A, Neto JRM, Ribeiro GD, Queiroz DD, Dos Santos VM, Eleutherio ECA. The familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated A4V SOD1 mutant is not able to regulate aerobic glycolysis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2024; 1868:130634. [PMID: 38788983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2024.130634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Under certain stress conditions, astrocytes operate in aerobic glycolysis, a process controlled by pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) inhibition through its E1 α subunit (Pda1) phosphorylation. This supplies lactate to neurons, which save glucose to obtain NADPH to, among other roles, counteract reactive oxygen species. A failure in this metabolic cooperation causes severe damage to neurons. In this work, using humanized Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in which its endogenous Cu/Zn Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) was replaced by human ortholog, we investigated the role of human SOD1 (hSOD1) in aerobic glycolysis regulation and its implications to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease. Yeast cells ferment glucose even in the presence of oxygen and switch to respiratory metabolism after glucose exhaustion. However, like cells of SOD1-knockout strain, cells expressing A4V mutant of hSOD1 growing on glucose showed a respiratory phenotype, i.e., low glucose and high oxygen consumptions and low intracellular oxidation levels in response to peroxide stress, contrary to cells expressing wild-type (WT) SOD1 (yeast or human). The A4V mutation in hSOD1 is linked to ALS. In contrast to WT SOD1 strains, PDH activity of both sod1Δ and A4V hSOD1 cells did not change in response to a metabolic shift toward oxidative metabolism, which was associated to lower Pda1 phosphorylation levels under growth on glucose. Taken together, our results suggest that A4V mutant cannot regulate aerobic glycolysis via Pda1 phosphorylation the same way WT hSOD1, which might be linked to problems observed in the motor neurons of ALS patients with the SOD1 A4V mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luan de Holanda Paranhos
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | | | - Aline de Araújo Brasil
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | | | - Gabriela Delaqua Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | - Daniela Dias Queiroz
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
| | - Vanessa Mattos Dos Santos
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil
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2
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Lillo P, Zitko P, Godoy-Reyes G, Asenjo G, Sáez D, Cea G, Navarrete P, Valenzuela D, Hughes R, Heverin M, Logroscino G, Hardiman O. Incidence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Chile. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:528-532. [PMID: 38506473 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2329706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) incidence and survival rates in the Metropolitan region of Chile. METHODS We conducted a cohort study of ALS cases in the Metropolitan Region from 2016 to 2019. A total of 219 ALS patients were recruited from Corporación ELA-Chile registry, in collaboration with neurologists from Sociedad de Neurología, Psiquiatría y Neurocirugía de Chile. We calculated incidence rates by sex and age and determined median survival from onset and diagnosis. Survival analysis used the Kaplan-Meier statistic, estimating hazard ratios for age, sex, time from symptom onset and from diagnosis using a Weibull regression model. All analyses were done using R 4.1.0. RESULTS Overall, ALS diagnosis incidence was 0.97 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, peaking in the 70-79 age group and declining thereafter. The male-to-female ratio was 1.23. The median time to death from diagnosis was 2.3 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.9-2.5), and from the first symptom, it was 3.1 years (95% CI: 2.8-3.5). CONCLUSIONS This is the first population-based study reporting ALS incidence and survival rates in Chile's Metropolitan region. Incidence resembled other Latin American studies. Median survival from diagnosis and from the first symptom were in line with previous findings. Our results corroborated lower ALS rates in Latin America, consistent with prior research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Lillo
- Departamento de Neurología Sur, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Geroscience Center for Brain Health and Metabolism (GERO), Santiago, Chile
- Unidad de Neurología, Hospital San José, SSMN, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro Zitko
- Departamento de Salud Global, Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gladys Godoy-Reyes
- Departamento de Neurología Sur, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Asistencial Barros Luco, Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gabriela Asenjo
- Escuela de Salud Pública, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - David Sáez
- Departamento de Neurología Sur, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Asistencial Barros Luco, Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Cea
- Departamento de Neurología Sur, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Navarrete
- Departamento de Neurología Sur, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Valenzuela
- Departamento de Neurología Sur, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio de Neurología, Complejo Asistencial Barros Luco, Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Sur, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ricardo Hughes
- Unidad de Neurología, Hospital San José, SSMN, Santiago, Chile
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mark Heverin
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, and
| | - Giancarlo Logroscino
- Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Aging Brain. Fondazione "Card. G. Panico" Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland, and
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3
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Shefner JM, Cudkowicz ME. Failures to Replicate: What Recent Negative Phase 3 Trials Have Taught Us about Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinical Research. Ann Neurol 2024; 96:211-215. [PMID: 38888068 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
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4
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Jacob SM, Lee S, Kim SH, Sharkey KA, Pfeffer G, Nguyen MD. Brain-body mechanisms contribute to sexual dimorphism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:475-494. [PMID: 38965379 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-024-00991-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common form of human motor neuron disease. It is characterized by the progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons, leading to generalized motor weakness and, ultimately, respiratory paralysis and death within 3-5 years. The disease is shaped by genetics, age, sex and environmental stressors, but no cure or routine biomarkers exist for the disease. Male individuals have a higher propensity to develop ALS, and a different manifestation of the disease phenotype, than female individuals. However, the mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain a mystery. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology of ALS, examine the sexually dimorphic presentation of the disease and highlight the genetic variants and molecular pathways that might contribute to sex differences in humans and animal models of ALS. We advance the idea that sexual dimorphism in ALS arises from the interactions between the CNS and peripheral organs, involving vascular, metabolic, endocrine, musculoskeletal and immune systems, which are strikingly different between male and female individuals. Finally, we review the response to treatments in ALS and discuss the potential to implement future personalized therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Jacob
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sukyoung Lee
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gerald Pfeffer
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Minh Dang Nguyen
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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5
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Dubbioso R, Spisto M, Verde L, Iuzzolino VV, Senerchia G, Salvatore E, De Pietro G, De Falco I, Sannino G. Voice signals database of ALS patients with different dysarthria severity and healthy controls. Sci Data 2024; 11:800. [PMID: 39030186 PMCID: PMC11271596 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03597-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper describes a new publicly-available database of VOiCe signals acquired in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients (VOC-ALS) and healthy controls performing different speech tasks. This dataset consists of 1224 voice signals recorded from 153 participants: 51 healthy controls (32 males and 19 females) and 102 ALS patients (65 males and 37 females) with different severity of dysarthria. Each subject's voice was recorded using a smartphone application (Vox4Health) while performing several vocal tasks, including a sustained phonation of the vowels /a/, /e/, /i/, /o/, /u/ and /pa/, /ta/, /ka/ syllable repetition. Basic derived speech metrics such as harmonics-to-noise ratio, mean and standard deviation of fundamental frequency (F0), jitter and shimmer were calculated. The F0 standard deviation of vowels and syllables showed an excellent ability to identify people with ALS and to discriminate the different severity of dysarthria. These data represent the most comprehensive database of voice signals in ALS and form a solid basis for research on the recognition of voice impairment in ALS patients for use in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Dubbioso
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Myriam Spisto
- Department of Psychology of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, 81100, Italy
| | - Laura Verde
- Department of Mathematics and Physics of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, 81100, Italy
| | - Valentina Virginia Iuzzolino
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Senerchia
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Elena Salvatore
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Pietro
- Department of Information Sciences and Technologies, Pegaso University, Naples, 80143, Italy
| | - Ivanoe De Falco
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR), Naples, 80131, Italy
| | - Giovanna Sannino
- National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Institute for High-Performance Computing and Networking (ICAR), Naples, 80131, Italy.
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Corcia P, Guy N, Pradat PF, Soriani MH, Verschueren A, Couratier P. Treatment continuity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with available riluzole formulations: state of the art and current challenges in a 'real-world' setting. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024:1-7. [PMID: 38973130 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2024.2375330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare multisystem neurodegenerative disease leading to death due to respiratory failure. Riluzole was the first disease modifying treatment approved in ALS. Randomized clinical trials showed a significant benefit of riluzole on survival in the months following randomization, with a good safety profile. 'Real-world' studies suggested that the survival benefit of riluzole is substantially greater, with an extended survival ranging between 6 and 19 months. The main limiting associated adverse effects of riluzole are non-severe gastrointestinal complications and an elevation of liver enzymes, observed in 10% of patients. While different classes of drugs have been approved in some countries, riluzole remains the gold standard of therapy. Dysphagia induced by ALS is a major challenge for food intake and riluzole administration. Tablet crushing is associated with a loss of drug intake and a risk of powder aspiration, which jeopardizes the benefits of riluzole. Riluzole oral suspension (ROS) and oral film (ROF) allow riluzole intake in patients with dysphagia. Both formulations are bioequivalent to riluzole tablets with a good safety profile albeit transient oral hypoaesthesia. In case of severe dysphagia, ROS can be used with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. ROF, the last approved formulation, requires low swallowing capacities and may contribute to maintain the efficacy of riluzole when tablets are inadequate according to patient's status and/or preferences. To optimize treatment continuity in newly diagnosed patients, the expected psychological impact of formulation switching that may be perceived as the sign of disease progression should be anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Corcia
- CHRU Bretonneau, Centre de Référence SLA et autres maladies du neurone moteur, Tours, France
| | - Nathalie Guy
- Centre de Référence SLA et autres maladies du neurone moteur, CHU de Clermont-Ferrand; Inserm Neuro-Dol U1107, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre-François Pradat
- Centre de Référence SLA et autres maladies du neurone moteur, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière APHP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Helene Soriani
- Centre de Référence SLA et autres maladies du neurone moteur, CHU de Nice, Hôpital Pasteur 2, Nice, France
| | - Annie Verschueren
- Centre de Référence SLA et autres maladies du neurone moteur, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France, and
| | - Philippe Couratier
- Centre de Référence SLA et autres maladies du neurone moteur, CHU Dupuytren 1, Limoges, France
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7
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Rojas-López JC, Estrada-Gualdron PI, Ramírez-Guerrero S, Velásquez-Cárdenas MJ, Redondo-Escobar J, Vargas-Arenas S, Palacios-Sánchez L, Palacios-Espinosa X. Efficacy of pain management strategies in adults with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A Systematic Review. Neurol Sci 2024:10.1007/s10072-024-07643-0. [PMID: 38967881 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive muscle weakness. Presence of pain in ALS patients is heterogeneously reported in studies, and mostly underrepresented in symptom scales. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic modalities for pain management in patients with ALS. A systematic review was conducted in four databases; PubMed, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane-Ovid. Five randomized controlled clinical trials were included regarding pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management interventions in adult patients with confirmed diagnosis of ALS in whom pain was objectively evaluated. Risk of bias assessment was evaluated using the RoB2.0 tool. Eligible studies were reported as a descriptive analysis. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO ID: CRD42024495009. Five clinical trials regarding pain management strategies in ALS were eligible for analysis. Two out of five were non-pharmacological approaches whilst the remaining three provided pharmacological therapies. Of these, Mexiletine was efficient in terms of pain relief, particularly between 600 and 900 mg per day, whereas Mecasin showed no pain relief at both, high and low doses. Non-pharmacological therapies, such as exercise and osteopathic manual treatment also lacked efficacy in regard to pain management. Clinical trials focusing on pain management strategies for ALS patients are limited. Medical professionals, understandably focused on immediate life-threatening aspects, may inadvertently sideline the nuanced and intricate dimension of pain experienced by patients with ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Camilo Rojas-López
- Neuroscience Research Seedbed (Semineuros), Center of Neuroscience - Neurovitae, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Pablo Isaac Estrada-Gualdron
- Neuroscience Research Seedbed (Semineuros), Center of Neuroscience - Neurovitae, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sofía Ramírez-Guerrero
- Neuroscience Research Group (Neuros), Center of Neuroscience - Neurovitae, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Maria J Velásquez-Cárdenas
- Neuroscience Research Seedbed (Semineuros), Center of Neuroscience - Neurovitae, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jesús Redondo-Escobar
- Neuroscience Research Seedbed (Semineuros), Center of Neuroscience - Neurovitae, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Sofía Vargas-Arenas
- Neuroscience Research Seedbed (Semineuros), Center of Neuroscience - Neurovitae, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Leonardo Palacios-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Research Group (Neuros), Center of Neuroscience - Neurovitae, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ximena Palacios-Espinosa
- Grupo de Investigación Individuo, Familia y Sociedad Psychology Program, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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8
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Riva N, Domi T, Pozzi L, Lunetta C, Schito P, Spinelli EG, Cabras S, Matteoni E, Consonni M, Bella ED, Agosta F, Filippi M, Calvo A, Quattrini A. Update on recent advances in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol 2024; 271:4693-4723. [PMID: 38802624 PMCID: PMC11233360 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12435-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In the last few years, our understanding of disease molecular mechanisms underpinning ALS has advanced greatly, allowing the first steps in translating into clinical practice novel research findings, including gene therapy approaches. Similarly, the recent advent of assistive technologies has greatly improved the possibility of a more personalized approach to supportive and symptomatic care, in the context of an increasingly complex multidisciplinary line of actions, which remains the cornerstone of ALS management. Against this rapidly growing background, here we provide an comprehensive update on the most recent studies that have contributed towards our understanding of ALS pathogenesis, the latest results from clinical trials as well as the future directions for improving the clinical management of ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilo Riva
- 3Rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS "Carlo Besta" Neurological Insitute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Teuta Domi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pozzi
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Christian Lunetta
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Neurorehabilitation Unit of Milan Institute, 20138, Milan, Italy
| | - Paride Schito
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Edoardo Gioele Spinelli
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Cabras
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin; SC Neurologia 1U, AOU città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Matteoni
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin; SC Neurologia 1U, AOU città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Monica Consonni
- 3Rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS "Carlo Besta" Neurological Insitute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- 3Rd Neurology Unit and Motor Neuron Disease Centre, Fondazione IRCCS "Carlo Besta" Neurological Insitute, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Agosta
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute Huniversity, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute Huniversity, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Calvo
- ALS Centre, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin; SC Neurologia 1U, AOU città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Angelo Quattrini
- Experimental Neuropathology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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9
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Ketabforoush A, Faghihi F, Azedi F, Ariaei A, Habibi MA, Khalili M, Ashtiani BH, Joghataei MT, Arnold WD. Sodium Phenylbutyrate and Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid: A Story of Hope Turned to Disappointment in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment. Clin Drug Investig 2024; 44:495-512. [PMID: 38909349 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-024-01371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The absence of a definitive cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) emphasizes the crucial need to explore new and improved treatment approaches for this fatal, progressive, and disabling neurodegenerative disorder. As at the end of 2023, five treatments - riluzole, edaravone, dextromethorphan hydrobromide + quinidine sulfate (DHQ), tofersen, and sodium phenylbutyrate-tauroursodeoxycholic acid (PB-TUDCA) - were FDA approved for the treatment of patients with ALS. Among them PB-TUDCA has been shown to impact DNA processing impairments, mitochondria dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, and pathologic folded protein agglomeration defects, which have been associated with ALS pathophysiology. The Phase 2 CENTAUR trial demonstrated significant impact of PB-TUDCA on the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) risk of death, hospitalization, and the need for tracheostomy or permanent assisted ventilation in patients with ALS based on post hoc analyses. More recently, contrasting with the CENTAUR trial results, results from the Phase 3 PHOENIX trial (NCT05021536) showed no change in ALSFRS-R total score at 48 weeks. Consequently, the sponsor company initiated the process with the US FDA and Health Canada to voluntarily withdraw the marketing authorizations for PB-TUDCA. In the present article, we review ALS pathophysiology, with a focus on PB-TUDCA's proposed mechanisms of action and recent clinical trial results and discuss the implications of conflicting trial data for ALS and other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsh Ketabforoush
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, 1030 Hitt St., Columbia, MO, 65211, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Faezeh Faghihi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Azedi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armin Ariaei
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamad Amin Habibi
- Clinical Research Development Center, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Maryam Khalili
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Haghi Ashtiani
- Department of Neurology, Firouzgar Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - W David Arnold
- NextGen Precision Health, University of Missouri, 1030 Hitt St., Columbia, MO, 65211, USA.
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA.
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10
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Cihankaya H, Bader V, Winklhofer KF, Vorgerd M, Matschke J, Stahlke S, Theiss C, Matschke V. Elevated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation Is Associated with Motor Neuron Degeneration in ALS. Cells 2024; 13:995. [PMID: 38920626 PMCID: PMC11202041 DOI: 10.3390/cells13120995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration in the central nervous system. Recent research has increasingly linked the activation of nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to ALS pathogenesis. NLRP3 activation triggers Caspase 1 (CASP 1) auto-activation, leading to the cleavage of Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and pore formation on the cellular membrane. This process facilitates cytokine secretion and ultimately results in pyroptotic cell death, highlighting the complex interplay of inflammation and neurodegeneration in ALS. This study aimed to characterize the NLRP3 inflammasome components and their colocalization with cellular markers using the wobbler mouse as an ALS animal model. Firstly, we checked the levels of miR-223-3p because of its association with NLRP3 inflammasome activity. The wobbler mice showed an increased expression of miR-223-3p in the ventral horn, spinal cord, and cerebellum tissues. Next, increased levels of NLRP3, pro-CASP 1, cleaved CASP 1 (c-CASP 1), full-length GSDMD, and cleaved GDSMD revealed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in wobbler spinal cords, but not in the cerebellum. Furthermore, we investigated the colocalization of the aforementioned proteins with neurons, microglia, and astrocyte markers in the spinal cord tissue. Evidently, the wobbler mice displayed microgliosis, astrogliosis, and motor neuron degeneration in this tissue. Additionally, we showed the upregulation of protein levels and the colocalization of NLRP3, c-CASP1, and GSDMD in neurons, as well as in microglia and astrocytes. Overall, this study demonstrated the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic cell death in the spinal cord tissue of wobbler mice, which could further exacerbate the motor neuron degeneration and neuroinflammation in this ALS mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Cihankaya
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Verian Bader
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Konstanze F. Winklhofer
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Matthias Vorgerd
- Department of Neurology, Heimer Institute for Muscle Research, University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Buerkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Johann Matschke
- Institute of Cell Biology (Cancer Research), University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany;
| | - Sarah Stahlke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany; (H.C.); (C.T.)
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience (IGSN), Ruhr-University Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany;
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Li X, Bedlack R. Evaluating emerging drugs in phase II & III for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:93-102. [PMID: 38516735 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2333420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rapidly progressive motor neuron disorder causing severe disability and premature death. Owing to the advances in uncovering ALS pathophysiology, efficient clinical trial design and research advocacy program, several disease-modifying drugs have been approved for treating ALS. Despite this progress, ALS remains a rapidly disabling and life shortening condition. There is a critical need for more effective therapies. AREAS COVERED Here, we reviewed the emerging ALS therapeutics undergoing phase II & III clinical trials. To identify the investigational drugs, we searched ALS and phase II/III trials that are active and recruiting or not yet recruiting on clinicaltrials.gov and Pharmaprojects database. EXPERT OPINION The current pipeline is larger and more diverse than ever, with drugs targeting potential genetic and retroviral causes of ALS and drugs targeting a wide array of downstream pathways, including RNA metabolism, protein aggregation, integrated stress response and neuroinflammation.We remain most excited about those that target direct causes of ALS, e.g. antisense oligonucleotides targeting causative genes. Drugs that eliminate abnormal protein aggregates are also up-and-coming. Eventually, because of the heterogeneity of ALS pathophysiology, biomarkers that determine which biological events are most important for an individual ALS patient are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Li
- Department of Neurology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Hasan M, Alam SM, Rahman HZ, Khan MAS, Huq MR. Autonomic Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis - A Case-Control Study. Acta Med Acad 2024; 53:24-34. [PMID: 38984697 PMCID: PMC11237907 DOI: 10.5644/ama2006-124.440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to explore autonomic nervous system involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients by evaluating sympathetic skin response (SSR). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study included 35 sporadic (ALS) patients (cases), and 35 healthy age and sex-matched participants (controls) aged <60 years. SSR was recorded in the electrophysiology lab of the Neurology Department of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Patients with diseases associated with peripheral or autonomic neuropathy were excluded. Prolonged latency (delayed SSR) or an absent response was considered abnormal SSR. RESULTS SSR was found to be abnormal in 17 (48.6 %) ALS cases, with an absent response in the upper limbs of six cases (17.1%). Abnormal SSR was more prevalent in the lower limbs, with 33 (94.3%) and 20 (57.1%) cases having a delayed or absent response, respectively. In comparison, SSR was normal in all control participants (P-value <0.05). Abnormal SSR was significantly more common in the lower limbs of ALS cases with bulbar palsy than those without bulbar palsy (P-value=0.04). There was no association of SSR with disease severity and duration. CONCLUSION ALS is significantly associated with abnormal SSR, indicating autonomic nervous system involvement. There could also be an association between bulbar palsy and abnormal SSR among ALS patients. Further studies should be carried out to determine the association of abnormal SSR with disease severity, duration, and type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sk Mahbub Alam
- Department of Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Hasan Zahidur Rahman
- Department of Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Muhammad Rezeul Huq
- Department of Neurology, Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. ; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4162-9545
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Pinilla-González V, Montecinos-Barrientos B, Martin-Kommer C, Chichiarelli S, Saso L, Rodrigo R. Exploring antioxidant strategies in the pathogenesis of ALS. Open Life Sci 2024; 19:20220842. [PMID: 38585631 PMCID: PMC10997151 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system is essential for maintaining homeostasis and controlling the body's physiological functions. However, its biochemical characteristics make it highly vulnerable to oxidative damage, which is a common factor in neurodegenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a leading cause of motor neuron disease, characterized by a rapidly progressing and incurable condition. ALS often results in death from respiratory failure within 3-5 years from the onset of the first symptoms, underscoring the urgent need to address this medical challenge. The aim of this study is to present available data supporting the role of oxidative stress in the mechanisms underlying ALS and to discuss potential antioxidant therapies currently in development. These therapies aim to improve the quality of life and life expectancy for patients affected by this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Pinilla-González
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago8380000, Chile
| | | | - Clemente Martin-Kommer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago8380000, Chile
| | - Silvia Chichiarelli
- Department of Biochemical Sciences “A. Rossi-Fanelli”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University, P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185Rome, Italy
| | - Ramón Rodrigo
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago8380000, Chile
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AlMadan N, AlMajed A, AlAbbad M, AlNashmi F, Aleissa A. Dental Management of Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cureus 2023; 15:e50602. [PMID: 38226086 PMCID: PMC10788695 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.50602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the upper and lower motor neurons with upper and lower motor neuron manifestations. It is divided into two variants: a spinal onset and a bulbar onset. The first starts as focal muscle weakness and wasting that spreads with disease progression, while the second phenotype presents with dysarthria, dysphonia, and dysphagia. Moreover, an extra-motor manifestation could be reported with the most commonly reported symptoms being the change in cognition and sleep disorder. Oral manifestations include increased salivation, limited mouth opening, and dysphagia. Patients with ALS have difficulty maintaining oral hygiene, and it is important for the practitioner and the caregiver to take care of this group of population. We herein provide a short review of the disease with a focus on the oral manifestations and dental considerations for management for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali AlMajed
- Dental Department, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, SAU
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